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One Planet: More Than One Planet

Factual: Science & Nature

07/10/2011

More Than One Planet

BBC World Service - One Planet, More Than One Planet

What would we do if it turned out there was more than one planet like Earth?

One Planet looks at how we use our planet, and how what we do affects our lives.

A plethora of Earth-like planets have been discovered in recent months - 55 Cancri F is reportedly a genuine contender for a planet with water flowing on it, while the imaginatively titled HD85512b is just 36 light years away.  Scientists believe there could be thousands of others out there just waiting for us to explore - and exploit - but what does this mean for our relationship with Earth?

On this week's One Planet we consider what we're doing to find resources in neighbouring solar systems, and what could be out there. How would it change mankind's relationship with Earth to discover that there were other planets capable of supporting life? How can we protect the rest of the universe from ourselves - and protect ourselves from what we might find?

Richard Hollingham goes to Mars (well, a mock-up just off the A1) to find out what it could mean for the environment if there turned out to be more than one planet like Earth.

As ever, tune in and then get in touch to let us know your views.

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